Operation apparatus

ABSTRACT

Provided is an operation apparatus including a main body section including an operation section including a first operation section for performing a record operation of an image pickup device and a display section that displays an image transmitted from the image pickup device, and a fixation section that fixes the main body section to an attachment object. The first operation section and the display section are both located on a first face of the main body section.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a Continuation Application of the U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/337,756, filed Jul. 22, 2014, which claims priority from JapanesePriority Patent Application JP 2013-273519 filed Dec. 27, 2013, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to an operation apparatus.

In recent years, products such as digital cameras, which applycommunication technology to image pickup devices, are distributedgenerally. The behaviors of these image pickup devices can be controlledvia communication from an external information processing device or thelike.

For example, JP 2001-326845A discloses a technology that controls thebehaviors of a plurality of image pickup devices by means of one remotecontroller, and displays the image acquired from each image pickupdevice on the display of the remote controller.

SUMMARY

However, the remote controller described in above JP 2001-326845A isportable, but is designed on the assumption that the user carries anduses the remote controller in the user's hand. For this reason, forexample, when the user operating the image pickup device uses the remotecontroller while moving, the hands of the user are occupied in mostcases, which impairs the usability. Therefore, there is a need for aremote controller having good portability and operability.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is providedan operation apparatus including a main body section including anoperation section including a first operation section for performing arecord operation of an image pickup device and a display section thatdisplays an image transmitted from the image pickup device, and afixation section that fixes the main body section to an attachmentobject. The first operation section and the display section are bothlocated on a first face of the main body section.

As described above, the present disclosure provides an operationapparatus having good portability and operability. Note that the aboveeffects are not necessarily restrictive, but any effect described in thepresent specification or another effect that can be grasped from thepresent specification may be achieved along with the above effects orinstead of the above effects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a state wornand used on an arm;

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an operationapparatus according to an embodiment, in a state to be attached to andused on an attachment object;

FIG. 3 is a front face view of an operation device according to anembodiment;

FIG. 4 is a back face view of an operation device according to anembodiment;

FIG. 5 is an upper side face view of an operation device according to anembodiment;

FIG. 6 is a lower side face view of an operation device according to anembodiment;

FIG. 7 is a left side face view of an operation device according to anembodiment;

FIG. 8 is a right side face view of an operation device according to anembodiment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an operation device accordingto an embodiment, with a cover on the left side face of the operationdevice open;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state in which afixation section is connected to an operation device according to anembodiment;

FIG. 11 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating an example of ahardware configuration of a functional configuration of an operationapparatus according to an embodiment;

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of change ofan image and a GUI displayed on a display section of an operation deviceaccording to an embodiment; and

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a shootingmode, presented by a GUI, of an image pickup device linked to anoperation device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will bedescribed in detail with reference to the appended drawings. Note that,in this specification and the appended drawings, structural elementsthat have substantially the same function and structure are denoted withthe same reference numerals, and repeated explanation of thesestructural elements is omitted.

Note that description will be made in the following order.

1. Overview of Operation Apparatus

2. Operation Device

2. 1. Shape and Size

2. 2. Front Face

2. 3. Back Face

2. 4. Side Faces

3. Fixation Section

4. Functional Configuration

5. Use of Operation Apparatus

6. Conclusion

1. OVERVIEW OF OPERATION APPARATUS

First, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, description will be made ofan overview of an operation apparatus 1 according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure. Note that FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagramillustrating the operation apparatus 1 according to the presentembodiment, in a state worn and used on an arm. FIG. 2 is an explanatorydiagram illustrating one example of the operation apparatus 1 accordingto the present embodiment, in a state to be attached to and used on anattachment object.

The operation apparatus (also referred to as information processingdevice) 1 according to the present embodiment is a remote controller tooperate the image pickup device (not illustrated in the drawings) bytransmitting and receiving operation commands by near field wirelesscommunication such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The image pickup deviceoperated by the operation apparatus 1 is a device equipped with an imagepickup section, and is for example, a digital camera, a video camera, avehicle or an airplane equipped with a camera, and the like. Theoperation apparatus 1 can operate an image pickup device positioned awayfrom a user wearing the operation apparatus 1. The operation apparatus 1operates the shooting of the image pickup device.

The operation apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includesan operation device 100 that operates the image pickup device, and afixation section 200 that holds the operation device 100 and attachesthe operation device 100 to an attachment object. As illustrated in FIG.1, in the operation apparatus 1, a belt which is the fixation section200 is attached to two opposite positions of the operation device 100.By this structure, the user who operates the image pickup device can usethe operation apparatus 1 by attaching the operation apparatus 1 to anarm, as illustrated in FIG. 1. By enabling the operation device 100 tobe attached to the arm, the user can easily carry the operationapparatus 1. Apart from the arm of the user, the operation device 100can be attached to a handlebar of a bicycle, and the like, for example.

Also, as illustrated in FIG. 2, in the operation apparatus 1, thefixation section 200 may be attached to one side portion of theoperation device 100. When the belt, which is the fixation section 200,is folded at one side portion of the operation device 100 to form thebelt in a ring shape, the operation apparatus 1 can be hooked on andattached to the attachment object such as, for example, a bag. Thereby,the user can get the hands off from the operation apparatus 1, when theuser do not manipulate the operation apparatus 1.

In the following, detailed description will be made of the operationdevice 100 and the fixation section 200, which make up the operationapparatus 1.

2. OPERATION DEVICE

Description will be made of the structure of the operation device 100 ofthe operation apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, on thebasis of FIG. 3 to FIG. 9. Note that FIG. 3 is a front face view of theoperation device 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is aback face view of the operation device 100 according to the presentembodiment. FIG. 5 to FIG. 8 are side face views of the operation device100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a perspective viewillustrating the operation device 100 according to the presentembodiment, with a cover 114 on the left side face 110 f of theoperation device 100 open. In the present embodiment, four faces at theperiphery of the operation device 100 as illustrated in FIG. 3 arereferred to as a side face. Particularly, the face viewed from thepositive direction of Y axis illustrated in FIG. 5 is referred to as anupper side face 110 c, and the face viewed from the negative directionof Y axis illustrated in FIG. 6 is referred to as a lower side face 110d. Also, the face viewed from the negative direction of X axisillustrated in FIG. 7 is referred to as a left side face 110 f, and theface viewed from the positive direction of X axis illustrated in FIG. 8is referred to as a right side face 110 e.

[2. 1. Shape and Size]

The operation device 100 is the main body section of the operationapparatus 1, and as illustrated in FIG. 3, contains an operation sectionfor operating the image pickup device, a display section 130, andothers, in a housing 110 having a substantially rectangular, planarshape. The shape of the housing 110 is not limited to a substantiallyrectangular shape, but may be formed in an oval, a circle, a polygon, orthe like, for example. Like the operation device 100 according to thepresent embodiment, the shape having a longer dimension and a shorterdimension enables the operation device 100 to be securely fixed, whenthe operation device 100 is attached to the attachment object by meansof the fixation section 200.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the operation apparatus 1 is wornon the arm of the user who manipulates the operation device 100, in sucha manner that the longitudinal direction (X axis direction in FIG. 3) ofthe operation device 100 is along the arm of the user, so that moreregion of the operation device 100 is supported by the arm of the user.In this way, by making the longitudinal direction of the operationdevice 100 identical with the longitudinal direction of the attachmentobject such as the arm, the operation device 100 is securely fixed tothe attachment object.

Also, for securely fixing the operation device 100 to the attachmentobject, it is desired that the back face of the operation device 100 donot extend beyond the attachment object. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 1, when the operation apparatus 1 is worn on the arm of the user,if the length of the left and right side faces which are the short sidesof the operation device 100 is the length that does not extend beyondthe arm, the entire back face 110 b substantially opposes the arm.Thereby, the operation device 100 is securely fixed to the arm.

When the length of the left and right side faces, which are the shortsides of the operation device 100, is so large as to extend beyond thearm, the shape of the back face 110 b of the operation device 100 may bea surface curved along the shape of the arm (the curved surface centeredat X axis). By doing so, the proportion of the housing 110 of theoperation device 100 that extends beyond the arm is reduced. In thatregard, if the shape of the front face 110 a is also a curved surfaceshape along the curved surface shape of the back face 110 b, theproportion of the operation device 100 that extends beyond the arm isfurther reduced.

The shape and the size of the housing 110 of the operation device 100are decided as appropriate in view of the attachment object for theoperation apparatus 1, the situation in which the operation apparatus 1is used, and others.

[2. 2. Front Face]

As illustrated in FIG. 3, on the front face (the first face) 110 a ofthe operation device 100, a main button 121 which is a first operationsection, an up-down operation button 125 which is a second operationsection, and a display section 130 are arranged along the longitudinaldirection of the housing 110. In other words, the front face 110 a isthe layout face on which main constituent elements are arranged. Thedisplay section 130 is arranged at the center portion of the front face110 a. At the both sides of the display section 130 in the longitudinaldirection, the main button 121 and the up-down operation button 125 arearranged so that the display section 130 is interposed therebetween.

(Main Button)

The main button 121 is an operation section to instruct the shooting andthe end of shooting of the image pickup device. If the main button 121is pressed when the image pickup device is not in a recording state inwhich the image pickup device is shooting the object, an instruction ofthe start of shooting is transmitted to the image pickup device. Also,if the main button 121 is pressed when the image pickup device is in therecording state, an instruction of the end of shooting is transmitted tothe image pickup device. Each time the main button 121 is pressed, theshooting state of the image pickup device is switched.

Also, the main button 121 is used as an operation section to instruct adecision process when setting various settings of the operation device100. For example, when the main button 121 is pressed in the state wherea predetermined item is selected from the menu displayed on the displaysection 130, the process related to the selected item is carried out.

The process carried out when the main button 121 is pressed isautomatically switched by the functional state of the operation device100. The process operated by the main button 121 is the main process inthe operation device 100, and is considered to have a high usefrequency. For this reason, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the manipulabilityof the operation device 100 is enhanced, by making the main button 121larger than other operation sections.

Also, when the operation apparatus 1 is attached to the left arm of theuser as in FIG. 1, the main button 121 is positioned at the right sidefrom the display section 130. In other words, the main button 121 islocated closer to the fingertips of the user than the display section130 is. Accordingly, when the user manipulates the main button 121 withthe right hand, the right hand does not hide the display section 130.Also, when the operation apparatus 1 is worn on the right arm of theuser, the operation apparatus 1 is turned upside down from the state ofFIG. 1 (i.e., with 180° rotation), and worn. By doing so, the mainbutton 121 is positioned at the right side from the display section 130.In other words, the main button 121 is located closer to the fingertipsof the user than the display section 130 is. Accordingly, when the usermanipulates the main button 121 with the left hand, the left hand doesnot hide the display section 130. Note that, when the user wears on theright arm the operation apparatus 1 which can be worn on the left arm asin FIG. 1, the information displayed on the display section 130 is inthe state turned upside down, without any change. In this case, forexample, by performing the operation input for outputting the screenimage rotation command for the menu screen image, the informationdisplayed on the display section 130 is rotated 180°.

(Up-Down Operation Button)

The up-down operation button 125 is the operation section used to selectan item from the menu displayed on the display section 130. The up-downoperation section 125 includes an up button 125 a provided at the upperside of the device (the positive direction of Y axis), and a down button125 b provided at the lower side of the device (the negative directionof Y axis). When the up button 125 a is pressed, the cursor forselecting an item from the menu in which the items are arranged is movedin one direction. Also, when the down button 125 b is pressed, thecursor for selecting an item from the menu in which the items arearranged is moved in the opposite direction relative to when the upbutton 125 a is pressed.

Note that the up-down operation button 125 may be related to, forexample, the zoom operation process of the image pickup device, apartfrom the select operation of the items displayed on the menu. When theup-down operation button 125 is related to a plurality of processes inthis way, the process carried out by the manipulation of the up-downoperation button 125 is automatically switched by the functional stateof the operation device 100.

The up-down operation button 125 according to the present embodiment isprovided along the direction (Y axis direction) substantially orthogonalto the longitudinal direction of the housing 110, as illustrated in FIG.3. The up-down operation button 125 according to the present embodimentis formed as a button of the seesaw type in which the up button 125 aand the down button 125 b are connected with the pivot point at thecenter portion, but the present disclosure is not limited to such anexample. For example, the up button 125 a and the down button 125 b maybe provided separately. Also, the up-down operation button 125 may beprovided not on the front face 110 a of the housing 110, but for exampleon the side face of the housing 110.

(Display Section)

The display section 130 is an output section for displaying theinformation, and for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic ELdisplay, and the like. The display section 130 occupies a large regionin the operation device 100, in the center portion of the front face 110a of the housing 110, for example, a half or more region of the frontface 110 a. The screen image displayed on the display section 130includes, for example, a live view screen image and a watch displayscreen image. The screen image displayed on the display section isselected, for example, by the display button 123 provided on the sideface of the housing 110, as described later.

The image of the object shot by the image pickup device that theoperation device 100 operates is displayed in the live view screenimage. The operation device 100 is equipped with the display section 130like this, so that the user can operate the image pickup device whileconfirming the shot content. In the live view screen image, the shotimage may be displayed with icons and the information relevant to theremaining battery level of the operation device 100, the remainingbattery level of the paired image pickup device, memory card warningdisplay, the operable or non-operable state of the operation section,the zoom state, the video recording state, the shooting mode, andothers.

Also, the current time is displayed in the watch display screen image.In the watch display screen image, the current time may be displayedwith icons representing the remaining battery level of the operationdevice 100, airplane mode state, and others.

For example, a notification section 126 for notifying the processcarried out by the operation of the main button 121 may be provided onthe front face 110 a of the operation device 100, in addition to themain button 121, the up-down operation button 125, and the displaysection 130. For example, a LED lamp or the like may be used as thenotification section 126. For example, the notification section 126lights up when the image pickup device is in the shooting state bypressing of the main button 121, and notifies the user that therecording is proceeding.

Also, the notification section 126 may notify that the operation device100 and the image pickup device are communicably linked to each other.In this case, the notification section 126 can notify the user of thecommunicable state, for example, by lighting up with a different colorfrom the light-up color representing the recording in progress. Thereby,the user is notified of the state in which the image pickup device isoperable by the operation device 100.

[2. 3. Back Face]

The back face 110 b of the operation device 100 is the face opposing theattachment object, and the functional section such as the operationsection is not provided as illustrated in FIG. 4. The back face 110 b ofthe operation device 100 is fixed to the housing 110 with screws, andmay be detachable from the housing 110 by removing the screws. Forexample, when the battery provided inside the housing 110 is removed orthe like, the screws fixing the back face 110 b to the housing 110 areremoved, so that the battery become uncovered and detachable.

[2. 4. Side Faces]

The side faces 110 c to 110 f of the operation device 100 are providedwith a connection section to the fixation section 200, side faceoperation sections for manipulating the operation device 100, aterminal, and others.

(Connection Section)

A part of the side faces of the operation device 100 is connected to thefixation section 200 that holds the operation device 100 and fixes theoperation device 100 to the attachment object. In the presentembodiment, the belt illustrated in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 is used as thefixation section 200. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, this beltis connected to the operation device 100 through at least any one of thethrough holes 112 a, 112 b, 112 c that are formed at the extensionportions protruding outward from a part of the side faces. In thepresent embodiment, the through holes 112 a, 112 b, 112 c formed in theside faces are the connection section.

In the operation device 100 according to the present embodiment, theextension portions formed by extending the side faces of the housingoutward are formed on the upper side face 110 c, the lower side face 110d, and the right side face 110 e, and one through hole 112 a, 112 b, 112c is formed on each extension portion. The extension regions of theupper side face 110 c and the lower side face 110 d are formed at apart, close to the right side face 110 e, of the respective side faces.Also, the extension regions of the operation device 100 of the presentembodiment are formed continuously over the upper side face 110 c, theright side face 110 e, and the lower side face 110 d. The through holes112 a, 112 b, 112 c are holes penetrating through the extension regionsin the direction substantially perpendicular to the front face 110 a.

In other words, the through holes 112 a, 112 b, 112 c, which are theconnection section, illustrated in FIG. 3 correspond to the position atwhich the main button 121 is formed. As described above, the main button121 is an operation section of a high use frequency, and is formed solarge, relative to other operation sections, as to be pressedunfailingly and easily. In order to press this main button 121 furtherstably, in the present embodiment the fixation section 200 is locatedadjacent to the main button 121. Thereby, when the operation apparatus 1is fixed to the attachment object by the fixation section 200, the mainbutton 121 area is more closely fitted to the attachment object, so thatthe operation device 100 becomes less likely to tilt when the mainbutton 121 is pressed.

One or more through holes 112 a, 112 b, 112 c are used depending on howto attach the operation apparatus 1 to the attachment object. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 1, when the operation apparatus 1 isworn on the arm of the user, the fixation section 200 is insertedthrough the through holes 112 a, 112 b opposite in the direction (in thepresent embodiment, Y axis direction) across the longitudinal directionof the operation device 100. Also, as illustrated in FIG. 2, when theoperation apparatus 1 is hooked on and attached to the attachment objectsuch as a bag, the fixation section 200 is inserted through the throughhole 112 c, for example.

(Side Face Operation Section)

One or more operation sections for manipulating the operation device 100may be provided on the side faces of the housing 110. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 3, the operation device 100 according to the presentembodiment includes a first side face operation section 122, and asecond side face operation section 123 on the upper side face 110 c, andincludes a third side face operation section 124 on the lower side face110 d.

The first side face operation section 122 is, for example, a menubutton. Here, if the first side face operation section 122 is pressedwhen the operation device 100 is linked to the image pickup device, thesetting of the linked image pickup device is conducted. On the otherhand, if the first side face operation section 122 is pressed when theoperation device 100 is not linked to the image pickup device, thesetting of the operation device 100 is conducted.

The second side face operation section 123 is, for example, a displaybutton. Here, each time the second side face operation section 123 ispressed, the live view screen image and the watch display screen imageare switched.

The third side face operation section 124 is, for example, a powersource button. Here, each time the third side face operation section 124is pressed, on and off of the power source of the operation device 100are switched.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, these side face operation section 122, 123,124 are provided in such a manner to circumvent the extension portionsin which the through holes 112 a, 112 b, 112 c are formed. Thereby, whenthe fixation section 200 is connected to the through holes 112 a, 112 b,112 c, the side face operation sections 122, 123, 124 are prevented frombeing hidden by the fixation section 200 and becoming not manipulable.

Also, by providing the side face operation sections 122, 123, 124 on theside faces (the upper side face 110 c, the lower side face 110 d) of thelong side along the longitudinal direction of the operation device 100,the user can pinch the upper side face 110 c and the lower side face 110d and manipulate the side face operation sections 122, 123, 124. At thistime, since the distance between the upper side face 110 c and the lowerside face 110 d is shorter than the distance between the right side face110 e and the left side face 110 f, the user can hold the housing 110without effort. Further, by providing the side face operation sections122, 123, 124 in a staggered manner so as not to overlap the positionsin the longitudinal direction of the housing 110, the user is preventedfrom pressing the side face operation section, which is not to bepressed, by mistake when holding the housing 110.

Here, description will be made of a case in which the first side faceoperation section 122 provided on the upper side face 110 c ismanipulated, as an example of manipulation of the side face operationsection 122 by the user. The user manipulates the first side faceoperation section 122 with the right hand, in the state in which theoperation apparatus 1 is attached to the left arm as in FIG. 1. In thatcase, in order to prevent the operation apparatus 1 from moving on theleft arm when the first side face operation section 122 is pressed withthe index finger of the right hand, the thumb of the right hand is putat the position opposite to the first side face operation section 122 onthe lower side face 110 d of the operation apparatus 1. At this time,the third side face operation section 124 located on the lower side face110 d is located in a staggered manner at a position shifted to theright side from the position opposite to the first side face operationsection 122 of the lower side face 110 d. By this layout and arrangementof the side face operation sections 122, 124, the possibility that theuser presses the third side face operation section 124 by mistake whenmanipulating the first side face operation section 122 is reduced.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the side face operation sections 122, 123, 124may be provided in such a manner to protrude from the side faces.Thereby, the side face operation sections 122, 123, 124 are pressedeasily. Also, as illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the side faceoperation sections 122, 123, 124 may be formed in a shape easilymanipulated. For example, the side face operation sections 122, 123, 124are formed in a rounded shape toward the front face 110 a.

(Cover)

As illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9, an openable and closable cover 114is provided in the left side face 110 f of the operation device 100according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 illustrates the state inwhich the cover 114 is closed. The cover 114 swivels around theopen-close axis to be opened and closed, for example with the endportion of the upper side as the open-close axis. As illustrated in FIG.7, the open-close switch 115 is provided on the surface of the cover114, at the end portion opposite to the open-close axis (i.e., the endportion of the lower side). The open-close switch 115 is a member tomanipulate the latch state between the housing 110 and the cover 114. Inthe state in which the cover 114 is closed, the hook of the open-closeswitch 115 is latched on the housing 110. When the open-close switch 115is moved to a predetermined direction in the state in which the cover114 is closed, the hook latched on the housing 110 moves to depart fromthe housing 110, in order to make the cover 114 rotatable.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the cover 114 covers a terminal 140, a resetbutton 142, a charge lamp 144, and others. The terminal 140 is, forexample, a USB terminal or the like. By linking the external device andthe operation device 100 via the terminal 140, the battery of theoperation device 100 is charged. Also, by lighting up the charge lamp144 during charging of the operation device 100, the user is notified ofthe charge state. Also, by linking the external device such as apersonal computer and the operation device 100 via the terminal 140, theapplication and the like recorded in the operation device 100 isupdated. The reset button 142 is a button for resetting the setting ofthe operation device 100 to the initial state.

In the above, the structure of the operation device 100 according to thepresent embodiment has been described. Note that the operation device100 may have waterproof property. By having the waterproof property, theoperation apparatus 1 can be used, for example, around water and inwater as well.

3. FIXATION SECTION

Next, on the basis of FIG. 10, description will be made of the fixationsection 200 for holding the operation device 100 and fixing theoperation device 100 to the attachment object. FIG. 10 is an explodedperspective view illustrating a state in which the fixation section 200is connected to the operation device 100 according to the presentembodiment.

In the present embodiment, the belt is used as the fixation section 200as described above. For example, when the operation apparatus 1 of thewatch type is fixed to the arm of the user as illustrated in FIG. 1, thefixation section 200 is connected to the through hole 112 a of the upperside face 110 c and the through hole 112 b of the lower side face 110 d.Also, in the operation apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment,a base plate 300 made of rubber illustrated in FIG. 10 may be interposedwhen connecting the operation device 100 and the fixation section 200.

The base plate 300 includes a first plate 310 that corresponds to theback face 110 b of the operation device 100. Also, with the first plate310, the second plate 320 is extended from the position that correspondsto the through hole 112 b of the lower side face 110 d of the operationdevice 100, and the third plate 330 is extended from the position thatcorresponds to the through hole 112 a of the upper side face 110 c ofthe operation device 100.

In more detail, in the present embodiment, the first belt 200 a and thesecond belt 200 b are used as the fixation section 200. After one end202 a of the first belt 200 a is inserted through the through hole 112 bof the operation device 100, the first belt 200 a is inserted throughthe opening of the second plate 320 of the base plate 300, and fixed tothe end portion of the second plate 320. After one end 202 b of thesecond belt 200 b is inserted through the through hole 112 a of theoperation device 100, the second belt 200 b is inserted through theopening of the third plate 330 of the base plate 300, and fixed to theend portion of the third plate 330. Then, the back face 110 b of theoperation device 100 is mounted on the first plate 310.

On the other hand, the other end 204 a of the first belt 200 a ispositioned at the front face 110 a side from the through hole 112 b. Theother end 204 a is inserted through the end portion holding member 220for holding the unused portion of the other end 204 b of the second belt200 b. Also, a buckle 210 is fixed to the other end 204 b of the secondbelt 200 b.

The user puts the first plate 310 of the base plate 300 of the operationapparatus 1 on the arm, and winds the first belt 200 a and the secondbelt 200 b around the arm. Then, by fixing the end portion 204 a of thefirst belt 200 a with the buckle 210 of the second belt 200 b, the usercan wear the operation apparatus 100.

In the above, description has been made of the structure of the fixationsection 200 according to the present embodiment. Note that the fixationsection 200 according to an embodiment of the present technology is notlimited to such an example. For example, the connection method betweenthe fixation section 200 and the operation device 100 is not limited tosuch an example, but the fixation section 200 may be directly fixed tothe operation device 100.

4. FUNCTIONAL CONFIGURATION

FIG. 11 illustrates one example of the hardware configuration of afunctional configuration of the operation apparatus 100 according to thepresent embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the operation device 100includes an input section 120, a display section 130, an interfacesection 140, a control section 150, a communication section 160, astorage section 170, and a battery 180.

The input section 120 accepts the operation input from the user. Theinput section 120 is, for example, the main button 121, the up-downoperation button 125, the side face operation sections 122, 123, 124,and others, which are illustrated in FIG. 1.

The display section 130 displays and outputs the information. Thedisplay section 130 corresponds to the display section 130 illustratedin FIG. 1, and for example, a liquid crystal display and an organic ELdisplay are used.

The interface section 140 is a linkage section for linking the operationdevice 100 to the external device with a wire. The interface section 140corresponds to the terminal 140 illustrated in FIG. 9.

The control section 150 controls the general function of the operationdevice 100. The control section 150 is configured, for example, by meansof a CPU or the like. For example, the control section 150 carries out apredetermined process on the basis of the operation input from the inputsection 120, and controls transmission and reception of the informationwith the image pickup device via the communication section 160. Also,the control section 150 causes the display section 130 to display apredetermined information, and controls the charging of the battery 180.Further, the control section 150 also conducts the update of theapplications used in the operation device 100, and others.

The communication section 160 is a linkage section for wirelesslycommunicating with the external device such as the image pickup device.For the communication section 160, a wireless local area network (LAN)compatible communication device, such as for example Wi-Fi, can be used.For example, the communication section 160 receives the image shot bythe image pickup device via the communication section 160, and transmitsthe control information for operating the image pickup device.

The storage section 170 stores various setting information used in theoperation device 100 and the application. The storage section 170 isconfigured, for example, by means of a random access memory (RAM), aflash memory, and the like.

The battery 180 is a power source of the operation device 100. Thebattery 180 may be configured to be chargeable, for example via theinterface section 140.

5. USE OF OPERATION APPARATUS

Description will be made of the state of the operation apparatus 1according to the present embodiment at the time of use, on the basis ofFIG. 12 and FIG. 13. The operation apparatus 1 according to the presentembodiment can operate one image pickup device, and can operate aplurality of image pickup devices. For example, as illustrated in FIG.12, the operation apparatus 1 can conduct the operation of a pluralityof image pickup devices 400A, 400B, 400C. At this, the control section150 of the operation device 100 may cause the image transmitted from oneimage pickup device selected from the image pickup devices 400A, 400B,400C, to be displayed on the entire display region of the displaysection 130. The image to be displayed on the display section 130 isswitched, for example, by displaying graphical user interfaces (GUI)associated with the image pickup devices 400 on the display section 130,and selecting the displayed GUI via the input section 120. Note that theGUI is also referred to as “icon”, “image”, “object”, “displayrepresenting the image pickup device 400”, “display representing thestate of the image pickup device 400” or the like.

First, the control section 150 causes the display section 130 to displaythe received image and the GUIs corresponding to the linked image pickupdevices 400, respectively. For example, as illustrated at the left ofthe upper side of FIG. 12, the control section 150 can display avertical row of the aligned GUIs 10A and 10B corresponding to therespective linked image pickup devices 400A and 400B, in a superimposedmanner on the image received from the image pickup device 400A. Also,the GUIs corresponding to the image pickup devices 400 are displayed atthe position proximal to the up-down operation button 125 in thedisplayed screen image of the display section 130. For this reason, theuser can intuitively understand that the screen image display is changedby the user's own operation. Note that, in the above the description hasbeen made of an example in which the GUIs are displayed in a row but theGUIs may be displayed in a plurality of rows.

Also, when the operation device 100 is, in use, rotated from theorientation illustrated in FIG. 12, the control section 150 may rotatesthe screen image displayed on the display section 130. Specifically,when the rotation of the operation device 100 is detected by a sensorthat the operation device 100 is additionally equipped with, the controlsection 150 rotates the displayed screen image by the detected rotationangle. For example, when an angular velocity sensor or the like detectsthat the operation device 100 has rotated 180°, the control section 150can rotate the displayed screen image by 180° toward the directionopposite to the detected rotation direction. For this reason, the screenimage is displayed in response to the state in which the user uses theoperation device 100, and thereby the convenience for the user isimproved. Note that, when rotating the displayed screen image, thecontrol section 150 can renew the display in such a manner that the GUIsare displayed at the positions proximal to the up-down operation button125.

Also, the control section 150 displays the GUIs in such a manner to showthe image pickup device 400 transmitting the displayed image. Forexample, as illustrated at the left of the upper side of FIG. 12, thecontrol section 150 may cause the image received from the image pickupdevice 400A to be displayed, and cause the background of the displayregion of the GUI corresponding to the image pickup device 400A to bedisplayed in an opaque manner. For this reason, the user can know theimage pickup device 400 transmitting the displayed image. Further, bydisplaying the background of the display region of the GUI in an opaquemanner, the user can visually know the image pickup device 400transmitting the displayed image.

Note that, in the above, description has been made of an example inwhich the control section 150 causes the background of the GUIcorresponding to the image pickup device 400 transmitting the displayedimage to be displayed in an opaque manner, but the control section 150may cause the background of the display region of the GUI correspondingto the image pickup device 400 transmitting the displayed image to bedisplayed in a different manner from the background of the displayregion of other GUI. For example, the control section 150 may displaythe color or the pattern of the background of the display region of theGUI corresponding to the image pickup device 400 transmitting thedisplayed image, in a different manner from the color or the pattern ofthe background of the display region of other GUI. For this reason, thevisual difference between the GUI corresponding to the image pickupdevice 400 transmitting the displayed image and other GUI is emphasized,so that the user can know the image pickup device 400 transmitting thedisplayed image more easily.

Also, the control section 150 may display the object representing theimage pickup device 400 transmitting the displayed image, around the GUIcorresponding to the image pickup device 400. For example, the controlsection 150 may display the object, such as an arrow and a triangle,pointing at the GUI, at a position proximal to the GUI corresponding tothe image pickup device 400 transmitting the displayed image. In thiscase, the object is additionally displayed in addition to the GUI, sothat the user can know the GUI of the selection state better.

Thereafter, when the image pickup device 400 is additionally linked, thecontrol section 150 displays the GUI corresponding to the additionallylinked image pickup device 400, in such a manner to add the GUI in theline of the currently displayed GUIs. For example, as illustrated at theright of the upper side of FIG. 12, when the image pickup device 400C isadditionally linked, the control section 150 displays the GUI 10Ccorresponding to the image pickup device 400C below the GUI 10B. In thisway, the control section 150 displays the GUIs in such a manner to alignthe GUIs in the order that the image pickup devices 400 are linked. Forthis reason, the user can know which image pickup device 400 the GUIcorresponds to.

Thereafter, when the user conducts the operation for changing theselected GUI (hereinafter, also referred to as GUI of the selectionstate) by means of the up-down operation button 125, the control section150 causes the display section 130 to display the image received fromthe image pickup device 400 corresponding to the GUI of the selectionstate after the change. For example, when the user conducts theoperation for changing the GUIs of the selection state from the GUI 10Ato the GUI 10B by means of the up-down operation button 125, the controlsection 150 causes the communication section 160 to transmit the imagetransmission stop request to the image pickup device 400A, and totransmit the image transmission request to the image pickup device 400B.Then, as illustrated at the right of the upper side of FIG. 12, thecontrol section 150 switches the displayed image to the image receivedfrom the image pickup device 400B. Also, the control section 150 rendersthe background of the display region of the GUI 10B of the selectionstate opaque.

Thereafter, when the receipt of the displayed image from the imagepickup device 400 stops, the control section 150 deletes the GUIcorresponding to the image pickup device 400. For example, asillustrated at the left of the lower side of FIG. 12, when thecommunication linkage with the image pickup device 400B is cut off andthe display image stops being received by the communication section 160,the control section 150 deletes the GUI corresponding to the imagepickup device 400B from the displayed screen image. Note that, the leftof the lower side of FIG. 12 illustrates an example in which the controlsection 150 continues displaying the image received from the imagepickup device 400B for the last time, but the control section 150 maystop displaying the image when the image from the image pickup device400B stops being received. For example, when the displayed image stopsbeing received, the control section 150 can stop displaying the imageand darkens the screen image, until the image to be displayed next isreceived. Thereby, the user can easily notice that the displayed imagehas stopped being received.

Thereafter, the control section 150 identifies the image pickup device400 transmitting the displayed image, with reference to the displayhistory and others, and causes the display section 130 to display theimage received from the identified image pickup device 400. Also, thecontrol section 150 causes the background of the display region of theGUI corresponding to the identified image pickup device 400 to bedisplayed in an opaque manner. Further, when the deletion of the GUIcreates a vacancy in the line of the GUI, the control section 150 causesthe GUI displayed next to the deleted GUI to be displayed at the regioncorresponding to the display position of the deleted GUI before thedeletion. For example, the control section 150 can identify the imagepickup device 400A that has transmitted the image displayed right beforethe image received from the image pickup device 400B with reference tothe display history, and cause the communication section 160 to transmitthe image transmission request to the image pickup device 400A. Then, asillustrated at the right of the lower side of FIG. 12, the controlsection 150 can cause the image received from the image pickup device400A to be displayed on the display section 130. Also, as illustrated atthe right of the lower side of FIG. 12, the control section 150 cancause the background of the display region of the GUI corresponding tothe image pickup device 400A to be displayed in an opaque manner.Further, as illustrated at the right of the lower side of FIG. 12, thecontrol section 150 can cause the GUI 10C corresponding to the imagepickup device 400 to be moved to the region where the GUI 10Bcorresponding to the image pickup device 400B has been displayed. Notethat, when the GUI is deleted, the control section 150 may cause the GUI10C to be moved to the region where the GUI 10B has been displayed.

In this way, the operation apparatus 1 according to the presentembodiment, the control section 150 causes the GUI corresponding to theimage pickup device 400 selected via the up-down operation button 125 tobe displayed, and switches the displayed image to the image transmittedby the image pickup device 400 corresponding to the GUI of the selectionstate. For this reason, the user can visually confirm and conduct theselect operation of the image pickup device 400 according to thedisplayed image.

Also, the GUIs displayed on the display section 130 do not onlyrepresent the presence of the image pickup devices 400 havingcommunication linkage to the operation device 100, but also may changethe GUIs in response to image pickup mode of each image pickup device400. For example, if the shooting mode of each image pickup device 400A,400B, 400C are different from each other when three image pickup devices400A, 400B, 400C have communication linkage to the operation device 100as illustrated at the right of the upper side of FIG. 12, different GUIsare displayed as illustrated in FIG. 13. Here, the GUI 10 corresponds tothe image pickup device 400A, and the GUI 12 corresponds to the imagepickup device 400B, and the GUI 14 corresponds to the image pickupdevice 400C.

For example, the GUI 10 illustrated in FIG. 13 represents the movingimage shooting mode, and indicates that the image pickup device 400A isset in the mode for acquiring the moving image. Also, the GUI 12represents the still image shooting mode, and indicates that the imagepickup device 400B is set in the mode for acquiring the still image.Further, the GUI 14 represents the interval still image mode, andindicates that the image pickup device 400C is set in the mode forshooting the still image at a predetermined time interval. The controlsection 150 shows the shooting modes of the image pickup devices 400having communication linkage to the operation device 100 with the GUIsin this way, so that the user can visually know the shooting modes ofthe linked image pickup devices 400, and the convenience for the user isimproved.

6. CONCLUSION

In the above, description has been made of the configuration of theoperation apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The operationapparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes the main button121 and the display section 130 on the front face 110 a of the operationdevice 100, so that the user can conduct the operation while viewing theimage shot by the image pickup device. Also, the operation apparatus 1is capable of holding the operation device 100 with the fixation section200, and attaching the operation device 100 to the attachment object.Thereby, the portability of the operation apparatus 1 is enhanced.

The preferred embodiment of the present disclosure has been describedabove in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, whilst thetechnical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such anexample. A person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field ofthe present disclosure obviously can conceive of various alterations andmodifications within the scope of the technical concept recited in theappended claims, and it should be understood that they will naturallycome under the technical scope of the present disclosure.

For example, in the above embodiment, FIG. 1 illustrates an example inwhich the operation apparatus 1 is worn on the left arm of the user, butthe operation apparatus 1 can be worn on the right arm as well. At thistime, the operation apparatus 1 is worn in such a manner that the mainbutton 121 is positioned closer to the user's wrist, so that the mainbutton 121 area is securely fixed to the arm, and the operation device100 becomes less likely to tilt at the time of manipulation of the mainbutton 121. Note that, comparing the operation apparatus 1 worn on theleft arm and the operation apparatus 1 worn on the right arm, theoperation device 100 is worn upside down. At this time, the directiondetection sensor, such as for example, a gyroscopic sensor, may beprovided in the operation device 100 to detect the direction of theoperation device 100, so that the direction of the display of thedisplay section 130 is automatically rotated in response to the wearingstate of the user.

Also, the operation apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment maybe equipped with a global positioning system (GPS), and various sensorssuch as an altimeter, a barometer, a sphygmomanometer, a pulsometer, anacceleration sensor, and an angular velocity sensor, and may beconfigured to transmit the acquired various information to the imagepickup device.

Also, a touch panel may be provided in the display section 130, so thatthe user can manipulate the operation apparatus 1 by the touch panel.

Also, the effects described in the present specification are onlyexplanatory and exemplary, and are not restrictive. That is, thetechnology according to the present disclosure can achieve other effectswhich are obvious for a person skilled in the art from the descriptionof the present specification, along with the above effects or instead ofthe above effects.

Additionally, the present technology may also be configured as below.

(1)

-   -   An operation apparatus including:        -   a main body section including            -   an operation section including a first operation section                for performing a record operation of an image pickup                device, and            -   a display section that displays an image transmitted                from the image pickup device; and        -   a fixation section that fixes the main body section to an            attachment object,        -   wherein the first operation section and the display section            are both located on a first face of the main body section.            (2)    -   The operation apparatus according to (1), wherein        -   the display section is provided at a center portion of the            first face, and        -   the first operation section is provided at a side portion of            the first face.            (3)    -   The operation apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein        -   the operation section includes a second operation section on            the first face of the main body section, and        -   the second operation section is arranged in such a manner            that the display section is interposed between the first            operation section and the second operation section.            (4)    -   The operation apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3),        wherein        -   the fixation section is a belt that fixes the main body            section to an arm of a user who manipulates the operation            apparatus, and        -   when the user wears the operation apparatus on one arm, the            first operation section is located closer to fingers of the            one arm of the user than the display section is.            (5)    -   The operation apparatus according to (4), wherein        -   the fixation section is a belt that fixes the main body            section to an arm of a user who manipulates the operation            apparatus, and        -   when the user wears the operation apparatus on the other            arm, the first operation section is located closer to            fingers of the other arm of the user than the display            section is, and the display section displays information            with approximately 180° rotation relative to when the user            wears the operation apparatus on the one arm.            (6)    -   The operation apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5),        wherein        -   the main body section includes a notification section that            notifies a state of the image pickup device, on the first            face of the main body section, and        -   the notification section is provided adjacent to the first            operation section.            (7)    -   The operation apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6),        wherein        -   the first operation section and the display section are            located side by side in a longitudinal direction of the main            body section, and        -   the display section includes a region having a vertical            direction and a lateral direction that is longer than the            vertical direction, and the display section is arranged in            such a manner that the longitudinal direction of the main            body section is substantially identical with the lateral            direction of the display section.            (8)    -   The operation apparatus according to any one of (1) to (7),        wherein        -   the main body section includes a connection section to which            the fixation section is connected.            (9)    -   The operation apparatus according to (8), wherein        -   the first operation section and the display section are            located side by side in a longitudinal direction of the main            body section, and        -   the connection section is provided at a position shifted in            the longitudinal direction from a center of the main body            section to a side where the first operation section is            located.            (10)    -   The operation apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9),        wherein        -   the main body section includes one or more side face            operation sections.            (11)    -   The operation apparatus according to (10), wherein        -   when the main body section includes a connection section to            which the fixation section is connected, at a side face of            the main body section, the one or more side face operation            sections are provided in such a manner to circumvent a            position at which the connection section is formed.            (12)    -   The operation apparatus according to (10) or (11), wherein        -   the one or more side face operation sections protrude from            one or more side faces of the main body section.            (13)    -   The operation apparatus according to any one of (10) to (12),        wherein        -   the one or more side face operation sections are provided on            one or more side faces along a longitudinal direction of the            main body section.            (14)    -   The operation apparatus according to (13), wherein        -   the side face operation sections are provided at positions            not overlapping with each other along the longitudinal            direction, when provided on the opposite side faces            respectively.

What is claimed is:
 1. A remote displaying apparatus comprising: a mainbody including a display configured to display an image wirelesslytransmitted from an image pickup apparatus; and a belt configured to fixthe main body to a user arm, wherein the remote displaying apparatus isconfigured to connect with two or more image pickup apparatusessimultaneously and is configured to cause the image transmitted from oneimage pickup apparatus selected from the image pickup apparatuses to bedisplayed.
 2. The remote displaying apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the main body further includes a record operation button totransmit an instruction of a start or an end of recording to the imagepickup apparatus.
 3. The remote displaying apparatus according to claim2, further comprising: a connection section for attaching the main bodyto an attachment object, wherein the main body further includes a firstface, the display and the record operation button are on the first face,and the connection section is at a second face of the main body otherthan the first face.
 4. The remote displaying apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the main body further includes a selection button usedto select an item from a menu displayed on the display.
 5. The remotedisplaying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main body furtherincludes a notification section which lights up when the image pickupapparatus is in a recording state.
 6. The remote displaying apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the main body further includes: a recordoperation button to transmit an instruction of a start or an end ofrecording to the image pickup apparatus; and a notification section tonotify when the image pickup apparatus is in a recording state bypressing the record operation button.
 7. The remote displaying apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the main body further includes a terminalconfigured to charge a battery of the remote displaying apparatus bylinking an external device.
 8. The remote displaying apparatus accordingto claim 7, wherein the terminal is covered.
 9. The remote displayingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main body further includes asensor that senses an attitude of the remote displaying apparatus. 10.The remote displaying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mainbody further includes a sensor that senses an attitude of the remotedisplaying apparatus, and a direction in which the display is rotatedbased on a result of sensing by the sensor.
 11. The remote displayingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main body further includesone or more side face operation sections.
 12. The remote displayingapparatus according to claim 11, wherein the one or more side faceoperation sections are provided on one or more side faces along a firstdirection in which the display and a record operation button arearranged.
 13. The remote displaying apparatus according to claim 12,wherein the side face operation sections are provided at positions notoverlapping with each other along the first direction, when provided onopposite side faces respectively.
 14. The remote displaying apparatusaccording to claim 1 further comprising: a base plate configured to beinterposed between the main body and the user arm when the remotedisplaying apparatus is worn on the user arm.
 15. A non-transitorycomputer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by aprocessor of a watch having a main body and a belt configured to fix themain body to a user arm, cause the watch to execute operationscomprising: receiving an image wirelessly transmitted from an imagepickup apparatus; and displaying the image on a display of the mainbody, wherein the watch is configured to connect with two or more imagepickup apparatuses simultaneously and is configured to cause the imagetransmitted from one image pickup apparatus selected from the imagepickup apparatuses to be displayed.
 16. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium according to claim 15, the operations furthercomprising: transmitting an instruction of a start or an end ofrecording to the image pickup apparatus in response to an operation on arecord operation button of the main body.
 17. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium according to claim 15, the operations furthercomprising: selecting an item from a menu displayed on the display inresponse to an operation on a selection button of the main body.
 18. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 15, theoperations further comprising: lighting up a notification section of themain body when the image pickup apparatus is in a recording state. 19.The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 15, theoperations further comprising: sensing an attitude of the watch by asensor of the main body.
 20. The non-transitory computer-readable mediumaccording to claim 15, the operations further comprising: sensing anattitude of the watch and a direction in which the display is rotatedbased by a sensor of the main body.